December 23, 2008

Isn't delight a wonderful word? I want to bring a sprinkle of Christmas joy your way. This clip (link below) was sent to me and I want to share it with you - Please allow yourself a couple minutes, click on the link, sit back, take in a deep breath and enjoy the . . .

December 19, 2008

The Nutcracker ballet, winter musical concerts, school holiday parties, classmate and teacher gift giving are all nearly wrapped up, and we're gliding into full holiday festivities with our children.

I treasure the crisp, cold nights, hot chocolate, and snuggling together (staying up way past bed time on a school night) to watch The Polar Express, The Grinch who Stole Chrismas (he's really not such a bad guy ya know - just needs a little love), A Charlie Brown Christmas and all the other classics. Most of all, I truly treasure reading my daughters' wish lists to Santa . . .My desire to instill strong moral character in my children is apparent when I read their requests that go beyond the monetary. Whew! One small exhale . . .

During this holiday season, more than any in recent history, we are all too aware that life can be imperfect, it is designed to be so to keep a yearning in our heart for something more. The good news is so long ago...One night, One star, One child was born unto us so that we may have everlasting life. Do you believe, Virginia? Do you believe?

December 07, 2008

Christmas waves a magic wand over the world and behold, everything is softer and a bit more beautiful.

This seems somehow to be true. I love the beauty of Christmas time . . . the crisp air, the baking, the gathering of friends, and family, and the creating - ribbon, glitter and glue all over the place.

I had every intention of putting a boutique together with a girlfriend of mine, we let time run away from us as we spent our time in other places. Perhaps we'll create an open studio day in the spring. That would be fun.

I did want to share these Christmas cones (aka tussie mussie) with you. They're so much fun to make and even more fun to fill and give away.

I thoroughly enjoyed creating this wall decor. These are 12x12 wood frames, painted, sanded, paper decoupaged and embellished. My holiday papers are available at your LSS or you can contact the manufacturer Webster's Pages to find out where to purchase. The center paper is from my brand new Hello! Beautiful collection. Doesn't it blend perfectly with holiday? Serendipity!

I confess I've indulged far too much time in creating these fun projects and must get back to creating the art for the projects, concepts, and many other surface designs.

In these trying times for so many of us, I wish you a softer, more beautiful Christmas season than you've known before. This year, give of yourself, make something, or buy handmade. With a cup of hot chocolate, and fresh baked cookies, refresh yourself, and your children of the true meaning of Christmas by reading the story of Christmas, or watching a classic Christmas movie. Most of all, set aside time to enjoy those you love.

December 01, 2008

Pumpkin pie, turkey, acorns and all the fixings are tucked away and Christmas is in the air here in our home. I love decorating for the holidays, filling my home with greenery, garland and keepsakes past & present. My studio has been all a flutter with glue guns, heat embossing tools, scissors, glue and ribbon, creating Christmas keepsakes to share with and inspire you.

I LOVE this teardrop glass ornament, made oh so special with my Winter Wonderland paper and a touch of snow kissed eucalyptus.

And then we have this 5x7 cupboard door ornament created with large chip board tags, and my Ting-a-Ling holiday papers, and of course a sprinkle of glamour dust.

We'll have much more to show and share in the days to come.

In the mean time, pop over to my web site to purchase one of a kind hand crafted gifts, like this beautiful serving tray (published in the final issue of Holiday Home) and creativity kits (there are just a few left) like this collage canvas that will look beautiful in any kitchen or dining room.

Please also be sure to take a peek at the beautiful holiday banner designed by wonderfully talented Audrey Pettit... a must see (at InspireMe) and try to create your own version of her all star sparkle banner.

As we approach our holiday season, let's keep close to our heart the reason for the season - one night, one star, one child was born unto us . . .